Lisa & Mark

Photography by Charleton Churchill Photography

“I used to foster dogs, and Mark called me as a potential adopter,” shares Lisa, of her first encounter with her husband-to-be. “Needless to say, the meet-and-greet at the dog park went very well. Mark adopted Barney…and me.”

Mark proposed in December 2016 in front of a Santa photo booth. “I was in total shock, because although I knew the proposal was coming, we had only made plans to bring our dog to meet Santa a few hours prior.” Lisa was so busy convincing Santa to hold her dog that she didn’t notice Mark was busy getting down on one knee. “When I turned around and saw him on one knee, I was confused. I thought, ‘How did he surprise me?’” she says.

The couple wanted to keep their wedding small and in a vacation-like atmosphere. “I would be lying if I said planning wasn’t stressful at times,” says the bride. “Especially being so far away from the venue and leading a busy life in Louisiana. But I had a great wedding planner and decided to not let the little details overwhelm me.”

Lisa’s stepdad officiated the wedding, she says, “He was hilarious, and it was so special. The whole ceremony was very, very unplanned…we laughed, we cried. Actually, I think everyone laughed and cried. It was kind of a mess, but wonderful,” remembers the bride.

For the ceremony, the couple decided to write their own vows. “I wrote mine while my hair was being done for the wedding,” she admits. “I typed them in my phone and then time slipped away from me. I never had time to transcribe them to paper. Right before the ceremony, I was frantically looking for my phone because I needed my vows. Thankfully, my brother-in-law had it. I had to read my vows from my phone during the ceremony. Funny thing is so did Mark. That is kind of our life…we always meet the deadlines, but things can be a little hectic getting there. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The reception was “more beautiful than I had ever imagined,” says Lisa. “I owe that to the florist, Meghon with Love & Lupines Floral Design, and my planner, Donna with Joy of Life Events.”

But by far her favorite moment of the day was the first look. “Mark teared up,” she remembers fondly. “He never cries. It was sweet and unexpected…but I was hoping for it.”

We stayed at the Resort at Squaw Creek for 10 days with family and friends. It was a destination wedding ☺

First Dance Song

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

Father/Daughter Dance Song

“Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley

Details about Lisa & Mark's cake

We had several kinds. Cake was vanilla with vanilla buttercream. Also had (cupcakes) carrot with cream cheese, red velvet with cream cheese, and a chocolate with chocolate buttercream.

Details about Lisa & Mark's flowers

Lots of greenery and king protea. I wanted to blend with the holiday décor around the resort, but I didn’t want our wedding to seem like a Christmas wedding.

Anything else you’d like to share about your wedding?

We did an adventure shoot with our photographer a few days post wedding. SO. MUCH. FUN. Gosh, we love Charelton Churchill. Highly recommend him!!

Our whole team was amazing. Donna with Joy of Life Events literally thought of every detail, and I did not lift a finger the day of.

Jenna Western was the resort coordinator, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her.

Shawn with The Best Man Films did such an amazing job on our video.

Meghon’s florals were SO GORGEOUS. I am obsessed with her work. I have been following Love & Lupines on Instagram since before I was engaged LOL.

Any tips you’d give brides and grooms planning their wedding today?

Y’all- all the pieces will come together. Let it flow. All that stress isn’t worth it in the end!

Don’t go cheap on the photographer and HAVE A VIDEO MADE! It doesn’t have to be a crazy expensive video… but DO IT!

Also- we hired a baby sitter (to attend the reception) and set up a kids areas at the reception so moms and dads could have some fun too!!

Oh, and we got married on a MONDAY! It saved money, and it helped keep our wedding small (57 people people ☺)

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?

I wouldn’t have stressed so much about little things. I worried so much about song choices… and I can’t even remember the songs today. All those little things do not matter in the end. Have a party and enjoy your day as a couple! No one cares about wedding favors or photo booths… just have an open bar! LOL